Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

I am going to try something new here at 3:10 and start posting my study notes that I make during my sermon prep throughout the week.  I usually use a template similar to this as I am preparing so I have only slightly modified it for blog posts.  Hopefully this will help someone in their personal study and preparation for the sermon on Sunday.  I believe prepared listeners are the best listeners!

Study Notes: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 “Tidings of Comfort and Joy”

Text:  2 Corinthians 7:2-16 (ESV)

Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted.

And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.

Structure:

• 2-5   The apostle’s plea – Paul’s desire is for a restored relationship with the Corinthian believers.  There were some who had tried to drive a wedge between him and these Christians, at times, successfully.  However Paul has proven up to this point that he had done them no wrong but rather had demonstrated the faithfulness and validity of his apostolic ministry.
• 6-7  Comfort and Joy through Titus – Paul was comforted not only by Titus but also by the news    that he brought concerning the Corinthians church.
• 8-13a Comfort from the Corinthians’ repentance – When one sees genuine repentance and its fruits in the lives of other Christians it is a reason for rejoicing.
• 13b-16 Comfort from knowing his confidence was well founded – This is the second time that he speaks of being comforted through Titus’ visit, but this time he adds the fact that his confident boasting in the Corinthians’ was well placed.

Theme / Main Idea: 

Theme(s): Ministry hardships; Comfort in Affliction; Sanctification; Repentance; Body of Christ.

Main idea:  For Paul, his greatest hardships came from his concern for others.  Consequently his greatest joy and comfort came from others also.  This passage teaches us how God can bring us comfort and joy through others as we see him at work in their lives.

Aim / Complementary Ideas: 

This passage causes us to check our motives and priorities.  As Christians, our greatest joy should be to see God accomplishing his work.  It stands to reason that we would find joy in seeing God at work in the lives of others.  Although Paul was experiencing great personal difficulty (v. 5, cf. 2 Cor. 11:16-28), he found comfort and joy in his trials through the visits of Titus and his reports of God’s work among the Corinthians.  One of the reasons God has placed us in the church is so that we might receive comfort as we see and hear of his work in the lives of others.

Gospel Focus: 

Only the gospel can give us the change of heart described in this passage.  As real and painful as Paul’s hardships were, he was able to look beyond them as he witnessed with joy the gospel’s fruit in the lives of this troubled church.  One of the most blessed fruits of the gospel is the genuine repentance described in this passage.

Preaching / Application Points

• Comfort and Joy from restored relationships (2-5): Paul, more than anyone, understood the closeness between believers because together they are “in Christ.” He speaks of “living together and dying together” in verse 3 because his heart is bound to their well-being.  He can’t help but seek their good because his joy is tied to their growth and sanctification.  We too are to seek restored relationships between our brothers and sisters in Christ.  No Christian can remain truly happy while being estranged from others in the church.  Since all relationships between believers will be one day restored in heaven, we are called to seek unity and harmony between believers now.
• Comfort and Joy from good news received: (6-7): We must be clear that the ultimate source of comfort is God (6a).  But God often sends us comfort through others just as the coming of Titus comforted Paul. We learn something here about the importance of visitation as we minister to one another.  We never know what comfort God may be sending to someone else through us. But is was not merely Titus’ coming that lifted Paul’s spirits, but also his news about the Corinthians dramatic turn-around in their attitude toward him.  We learn something about our attitude toward suffering in these verses. Paul’s suffering was real, but his greatest joy didn’t come from the removal of affliction, but rather the good news of God’s work in the lives of others.  We must learn to find joy and comfort in God and his work rather than the absence of hardship.

• Comfort and Joy from grief that leads to repentance (8-13a): It may sound strange to hear of someone receiving joy from another’s grief, but Paul knew that this was a grief produced by the conviction of sin that led to repentance.  This is one of the most exquisite passages on repentance in the New Testament.  The Christian learns that sin produces grief as we realize we have done something that displeases God.  This causes the Christian to repent, or turn away from their sin (an action involving the mind, heart and will).  The fruits of repentance will be seen in the following ways: 1) earnestness, 2) eagerness to clear oneself, 3) indignation against the sins and the one who caused it, 4) fear of God and his judgment against sin, 5) longing to make things right, 6) a zeal for holiness and righteous living, and 7) punishment, most likely against the one who caused the offense.

• Comfort and Joy from God’s faithfulness to his people (13b-16): Paul’s joy was made complete by two things: First, he was happy because Titus was happy (13b). This is a clear demonstration of Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”  The apostle Paul was a magnificent of example of what it means for us to be “others-centered.”  We need to learn to find genuine joy in the happiness of others. Second, he was happy that his confidence in the Corinthians had been well-founded.  Paul described this confidence to the Philippians in this way, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Paul was seeing that very principle worked out in the lives of these Christians as God worked in their lives despite of their failures and shortcomings to accomplish his good purpose.  This passage gives us assurance that God will ultimately sanctify his own and that even when we fall into sin he will bring us to the place of repentance and usefulness again.  We ought to take joy when we see that work being carried out in our lives as well as others.

The Contradictory Christian

Genuine Christianity presents an enigma to the world.  The apostle Paul describes this condition in 2 Corinthians 6:8-10,

through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;  as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

Consider these words by A.W. Tozer, who expands on the paradoxes the Paul describes in the Christian life.  It is no surprise that the world doesn’t recognize the treasure that is contained in Christ’s church, but it is sad when those inside the church fail to see it.  Hear the words of Tozer as he describes the wonderful contradictions of Christianity,

At the heart of the Christian system lies the cross of Christ with its divine paradox. The power of Christianity appears in its antipathy toward, never in its agreement with, the ways of fallen men. The truth of the cross is revealed in its contradictions. … Simply observe the true Christian as he puts into practice the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Note the contradictions:

The Christian believes that in Christ he has died, yet he is more alive than before and he fully expects to live forever. He walks on earth while seated in heaven and though born on earth he finds that after his conversion he is not at home here. … He loses his life to save it and is in danger of losing it if he attempts to preserve it. He goes down to get up. If he refuses to go down he is already down, but when he starts down he is on his way up.

He is strongest when he is weakest and weakest when he is strong. Though poor he has the power to make others rich, but when he becomes rich his ability to enrich others vanishes. He has most after he has given most away and has least when he possesses most.

He may be and often is highest when he feels lowest and most sinless when he is most conscious of sin. He is wisest when he knows that he knows not and knows least when he has acquired the greatest amount of knowledge. He sometimes does most by doing nothing and goes furthest when standing still. In heaviness he manages to rejoice and keeps his heart glad even in sorrow.

He fears God but is not afraid of Him. In God’s presence he feels overwhelmed and undone, yet there is nowhere he would rather be than in that presence. He knows that he has been cleansed from his sin, yet he is painfully conscious that in his flesh dwells no good thing.

He loves supremely One whom he has never seen, and though himself poor and lowly he talks familiarly with One who is King of all kings and Lord of all lords, and is aware of no incongruity in so doing. He feels that he is in his own right altogether less than nothing, yet he believes without question that he is the apple of God’s eye and that for him the Eternal Son became flesh and died on the cross of shame. …Incredible Christian!

[A. W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian (Wheaton IL: Tyndale House, special edition, undated), pp. 11-13.]

The Gospel and Forgiveness

This short video from Wycliffe Bible translators is a powerful and practical picture of what it means to “love your enemies.” Most of us will never know what it means to offer this kind of forgiveness, but if we do it will only be possible through the power of the Holy Spirit who works this gospel truth into our lives.  Take a moment to watch, it will be the best four and a half minutes you spend all day.

Suicide and Christianity

With the recent loss of Pastor Rick Warren’s son Matthew to suicide many have asked how Christians should view this tragedy. Pastors and other Christians often struggle with how to handle suicide and the mental illness that leads to it.  Far too often we either stigmatize mental illness or ignore it altogether in the church.

This high profile tragedy has brought the issue to the fore and prompted some very helpful articles for those who may have questions.  Here is a list of several that I have found helpful

• Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research, wrote this helpful article on CNN’s Belief Blog entitled, “How Churches Can Respond to Mental Illness.” 
• Also from Stetzer, “Mental Illness and the Church: Some Helpful Honesty from Church Leaders You May Know.” 
• From David Murray, “Seven Questions About Suicide and Christians.”
• Finally, Sam Storms addresses the question, “Is Suicide the Unpardonable Sin?

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Here are some helpful thoughts from Nathan Finn on the relationship between baptism and the Lord’s Supper as well as links to other insightful articles on this subject.  Read it here.

Thomas Watson on the Lord’s Supper

From Thomas Watson’s comments on 1 Cor. 10:16, “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?

The Lord’s Supper is the most spiritual and sweetest ordinance that ever was instituted. Here we have more immediately to do with the person of Christ. In prayer, we draw nigh to God. In the sacrament we become one with him. In prayer we look up to Christ, in the sacrament, by faith, we touch him. In  the word preached, we hear Christ’s voice, in the sacrament we feed on him.

Let’s come to the Lord’s table expectantly this Lord’s Day.

How Can I Be Sure I Am a Christian?

Andy Naselli offers a very helpful outline of Donald Whitney’s, “How Can I be Sure I am a Christian?”  As a pastor I frequently counsel with people who are struggling with this question and I am quick to point them to Whitney’s book.  It is written in a clear style with plain language that is accessible to anyone.  Hopefully Naselli’s outline will whet your appetite to read the book! You will find the outline here.

Check This Out!

Once again, tirelessly spanning the world wide web to bring you the most edifying content available for your weekend reading.  Spend a few minutes perusing these articles and you will be thoroughly equipped for the next week.

 

•   Is your life to busy? Tim Brister reminds us that “Life is too short to be in a hurry“
• If you need help slowing down, you may want to check out, “Beware: 10 Time Management Rules That You Are Breaking.” While you are there you may want to check out other helpful articles at Time Management Ninja.
• From Justin Taylor, “I would Like about Three Dollars Worth of the Gospel Please.”
• Here is a biblical strategy for maintaining sexual purity by Trent Hunter, “F.L.E.E. – A Strategy for Pursuing Sexual Purity.“
  

• Many have asked the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” Well, David Platt has some sound advice for answering that question in a great article in Relevant Magazine.  You can find it here.
• What if Satan had written the beatitudes?  They might sound something like this… Stephen Altrogge’s The Anti-Beatitudes.

 

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the Image of Christ

From the final chapter of “The Cost of Discipleship.”

Bonhoeffer begins by explaining how the image of God was distorted through the Fall.

When the world began, God created Adam in his own image, as the climax of his creation.  He wanted to have the joy of beholding in Adam the reflection of himself.  ‘And behold it was very good.’ God saw himself in Adam.  Here, right from the beginning, is the mysterious paradox of man.  He is a creature, and yet he is destined to be like his Creator. Created man is destined to bear the image of uncreated God. Adam is ‘as God.’ His destiny is to bear this mystery in gratitude  and obedience toward his Maker.  But the false serpent persuaded Adam that he must still do something to become like God: he must achieve that likeness by deciding and acting for himself.  Through his choice Adam rejected the grace of God, choosing his own action.  He wanted instead to unravel the mystery of his being for himself, to make himself what God has already made him (emphasis mine). That was the fall of man. Adam became ‘as God’ – sict deus – in his own way. But now that he had made himself god, he no longer had a God. He ruled in solitude as a creator-god in a God-forsaken subjected rule.

Bonhoeffer moves on to describe God’s plan of restoration

But God does not neglect his lost creature. He plans to re-create his image in man, to recover his first delight in his handiwork.  He is seeking in it his own image so that he may love it. But there is only one way to achieve this purpose and that is for God, out of sheer mercy, to assume the image and form of fallen man. But this restoration of the divine image concerns not just a part, but the whole image of divine nature. It is not enough for man to simply recover right ideas about God, or to obey his will in the isolated actions of his life. No, man must be re-fashioned as a living whole in the image of God. His whole form, body, soul and spirit, must once more bear that image on earth. Such is God’s purpose and destiny for man. His good pleasure can rest only on his perfected image.

Finally, Bonhoeffer explains how God accomplishes this restoration.

God sends his Son – here lies the only remedy.  It is not enough to give man a new philosophy or better religion. A Man comes to men. Every man bears an image. His body and his life become visible. A man is not a bare word, a thought or a will. He is above all and always a man, a form, an image, a brother. And thus he does not create around him just a new way of thought, will and action but he gives us the new image, the new form. Now in Jesus Christ this is just what has happened. The image of God has entered our midst, in the form of our fallen life, in the likeness of sinful flesh. In the teaching and acts of Christ, in his life and death, the image of God is revealed. In him the divine image has been re-created here on earth. The Incarnation, the words and acts of Jesus, his death on the cross, all are indispensable parts of that image. But it is not the same image as Adam bore in the primal glory of paradise. Rather, it is the image of one who enters a world of sin and death, who takes upon himself all the sorrows of humanity, who meekly bears God’s wrath and judgment against sinners, and obeys his will with unswerving devotion in suffering and death, the Man born to poverty, the friend of publicans and sinners, the Man of sorrows, rejected of man and forsaken of God. Here is God made man, here is the new image of God.

What a powerful picture of the gospel and what God has done for us in Christ!

Check This Out! 3/8/13

Here are a few interesting tidbits from around the web…

• I know this may sound a little self-serving but here are “10 Things You can do to Make Your Pastor’s Sermon Better.”
• How much time do you spend looking at your phone? Three weeks a year according to this study.
• Are you ever tempted to skip over the genealogies when you are reading the Bible?  Here is an article that encourages us not to.
• Here is a great four-minute video from Randy Alcorn on why we should not waste our time, energy or money.  Watch it here.